UPDATED: Inslee issues emergency proclamation due to flooding and winter weather
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a second emergency proclamation that adds Walla Walla County to the list of affected counties included in Wednesday's emergency proclamation ahead of the significant winter weather that is forecast to continue through this weekend.
"The effects of this severe winter storm event continue to impact the life, health and property of individuals in this state, as well as the property and infrastructure of Washington state, and is a public disaster that affects the life, health, property or the public peace," Inslee said in the proclamation.
Road damage caused by recent snow is estimated at more than $3 million and required WSDOT to commence work immediately to repair affected roadways through the implementation of emergency procurement procedures to alleviate impacts to public safety.
The proclamation affects Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and now Walla Walla Counties.
The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division continues to monitor and coordinate response activities. The proclamation directs state agencies to utilize state resources to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected communities. It also allows the state to apply for federal Department of Transportation funds to help permanently repair roadways.